Attractions

Addis
Ababa: the new flower is established in 1881 after Emperor
Minelik made his permanent capital at Entoto (3000 meters above sea
level) which is rich in Eucalyptus trees line up at the right and left
side of the road. However, Entoto was soon decided not to be a site for
the capital due to its cold weather. Therefore, Empress Taitu was said
to have led the move down to the plain of Finfine, and to have named the
new capital Addis Ababa, in Amharic the New Flower. Since then, Addis
Ababa became the official capital of Ethiopia.

If you have a short time in Ethiopia, we offer you to visit
the historical town - Addis Ababa with its museums, nearly 200 old
houses, monuments, churches and the Grand market in East Africa -
Merkato.

BahirDar:Situated at the
shore of Lake Tana is found 564 kilometers from Addis Ababa or 55
minutes flight from Addis Ababa by Ethiopian airlines. The island
monasteries on Lake Tana are the major sites to visit followed by the
Blue Nile falls. It is possible to cross the lake to Gorgora and vice
versa to visit the nice and recently restored medieval church of
DebreSina Mariam.

Gonder: is
distinguished by its castles, imperial compound and its churches,
particularly Debre Brehan Selassie church whereby its walls and ceiling
are completely covered by unique murals. It was the capital of the
Ethiopian Empire almost 200 years and the gate to the Semien Mountains
National Park where you can see the highest peak in Ethiopia named mount
Ras Dashen measuring 4543 meters above sea level.

Lalibela: a series of
rock hewn churches built by Priest King Lalibela At the end of the 12th
and beginning of the 13th centuries. There are 11 rock hewn churches
found in town which are constructed by the priest king with the help of
Angels and considered as one of the wonders in the world.
Other interesting churches outside Lalibela which are highly recommended
to be visited are Asheton Mariam, Yemrehane Kristos and Genete Mariam
churches.

Axum: Axum was one of
the four great powers in ancient world, along with China, Persia and
Rome. It is during the 4th century that King Ezana of Axum introduced
Christianity to Ethiopia as well as the first minting of coins.

The ancient town offers the obelisks (the large pieces of
stone erected), tombs, monuments, castles, and Mariam Tsion church which
is strongly believed by the Ethiopian orthodox believers that it resides
the original arc of the covenant or the Tablet of Moses. A visit to Axum
can be extended to the 800 BC pre-Axumite temple at Yeha, 55 km east of
Axum, and a little further, the 7th century monastery at Debre Damo.

Harar: is a holy center
for Muslims and is situated in Eastern Ethiopia. This walled city is a
fascinating place, filled with Islamic and Christian history. The city's
location gives wonderful views of the surrounding country - the vast
Danakil desert to the north, the fertile Harar Mountains to the west,
and the cattle rich Ogaden plains to the south. With its 99 mosques,
including the 16th century Grand Mosque with is beautiful twin towers
and slender minaret, it is considered to be the fourth most holy city in
Islam after Mecca, Medina and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

The 5 walls, Rimbaud museum, the colourful and well
organized Harari tribe's house and the Hyena man are the most important
places of interest for visitors.

In addition, Medhane Alem church, built at the end of the
19th century, is in the town centre and contains excellent examples of
traditional regional art. The 16th century Grand Mosque, with is
beautiful twin towers and slender minaret lies on the road to the Erer
Gate (Women are not permitted inside the mosque). The Ahmar Mountains
around Harar produce some of the best coffee in Ethiopia.